afrol News, 5 September - An outstanding Kenyan opposition kingpin and former minister, Raila Odinga, will lead the country’s main opposition party in the next presidential polls scheduled for 14 December 2007.

Odinga, who leads the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has overtaken two other contestants in a fierce contest. He faces President Mwai Kibaki at the polls.

Mr Odinga‘s supporters, especially those in his stronghold western Kenya region, celebrated their leader’s victory in grand style.

Described as a silent but an intelligent political dinosaur, Kibaki is favoured as the winner of the polls, although he is expected to face stiff challenge from the ODM leader. Presidential aspirants will heavily competed in canvassing votes from the grassroots.

"This years elections will be a two-horse race. On one side will be the forces for change and the other will be the forces for retention of the status quo," the ODM leader declared.

Mr Kibaki, who ascended to power in 2002 after an election victory, succeeded the former President Daniel arap Moi.

Kibaki’s predecessor [Moi] last week openly announced throwing weight behind him as he seeks for a second term in office.

Under his rule, the Kenyan economy has attained a 6% annual growth, but his government has been strongly criticised for its failure to stamp out on rampant corruption within its ranks.

He has come to power under the ticket of the National Rainbow Coalition has fragmented over unfulfilled pre-election pledges. President Kibaki is yet to disclose which party he will run for.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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